TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced Friday that the agency will extend its call center hours for limited operations, including evenings and Saturdays, according to a media release.

Weekday hours will be 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., beginning Monday. Saturday hours will be from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“Extending our call center hours makes sense during this unprecedented pandemic,” said acting Secretary Ryan Wright. “The Department of Labor is making itself available to answer questions when it is convenient for claimants.

“Simply put, we are here to serve Kansans and this move does exactly that,” he added. Claimants who call Monday through Friday between the hours of 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., will have a limited menu of services from which to choose.

The scope of services for these hours includes:

• General inquiries and frequently asked questions,

For more complex cases and questions, KDOL requests claimants continue to call the call center during standard business hours for the agency, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Since March 15, KDOL has paid out more than two million weekly claims totaling over $1.8 billion between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs. 

<a href="https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx">Click here for more</a> information, or to apply for unemployment benefits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593457222137.png" alt="Kansas Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced Friday that the agency will extend its call center hours for limited operations, including evenings and Saturdays, according to a media release.Weekday hours will be 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., beginning Monday. Saturday hours will be from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.“Extending our call center hours makes sense during this unprecedented pandemic,” said acting Secretary Ryan Wright. “The Department of Labor is making itself available to answer questions when it is convenient for claimants.“Simply put, we are here to serve Kansans and this move does exactly that,” he added. Claimants who call Monday through Friday between the hours of 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., will have a limited menu of services from which to choose.The scope of services for these hours includes:• General inquiries and frequently asked questions,• Claim status updates,• Technical issue assistance, and• Weekly claim filings.For more complex cases and questions, KDOL requests claimants continue to call the call center during standard business hours for the agency, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Since March 15, KDOL has paid out more than two million weekly claims totaling over $1.8 billion between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs. <a href="https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx">Click here for more</a> information, or to apply for unemployment benefits.

Kansas Department of Labor extending call center hours

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man to death as he sat in his car outside a Kansas City gas station, police said.

The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Thursday along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71, police said in a news release. Responding officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was take to a hospital, where he later died.

Police have not released the victim’s name or age. No arrests had been reported in the case by Friday morning.

Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the shooting death was the city’s 134th homicide of the year, compared with 102 homicides by this time last year.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man to death as he sat in his car outside a Kansas City gas station, police said.The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Thursday along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71, police said in a news release. Responding officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was take to a hospital, where he later died.Police have not released the victim’s name or age. No arrests had been reported in the case by Friday morning.Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the shooting death was the city’s 134th homicide of the year, compared with 102 homicides by this time last year.

Kansas City police investigate city's 134th homicide of year

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who kicked a black child and yelled racial slurs in a Wichita grocery store will be sent to prison after failing at rehabilitation efforts. 

Trace Riff, 33, was sentenced Thursday to two years and four months in prison. Prosecutors say he kicked the 1-year-old boy in December 2018 while the child was in a store with his pregnant mother and an older sibling. 

He pleaded no contest in May 2019 to attempted aggravated battery, disorderly conduct and drug charges. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said rehabilitation efforts for Riff had failed. Riff's family and attorney say he suffers from mental health issues and a drug addiction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598577039236.png" alt="Riff photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Riff photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who kicked a black child and yelled racial slurs in a Wichita grocery store will be sent to prison after failing at rehabilitation efforts. Trace Riff, 33, was sentenced Thursday to two years and four months in prison. Prosecutors say he kicked the 1-year-old boy in December 2018 while the child was in a store with his pregnant mother and an older sibling. He pleaded no contest in May 2019 to attempted aggravated battery, disorderly conduct and drug charges. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said rehabilitation efforts for Riff had failed. Riff's family and attorney say he suffers from mental health issues and a drug addiction.

Kan. man sentenced for yelling slurs, kicking black child

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will apply to participate in a federal program that provides additional benefits to workers who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday, less than two weeks after she questioned the program’s legality and suggested it could be difficult to administer.

Kelly’s office said the state would use a portion of its $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds to cover part of the additional benefits. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0218f8425463c85085edb667421c6c35">issued an executive order&nbsp;</a>this month offering an additional $300 a week in benefits to jobless workers and $400 a week if states chipped in the additional $100. The federal government would have to approve Kansas’ proposal.

Trump issued the order after an earlier program, providing an additional $600 a week, expired at the end of July, with no agreement in Congress on extending or replacing it. The Democratic governor said in a statement Thursday that she had hoped the GOP-led U.S. Senate would have approved a program before taking its August break.

“I could not sit by idly while many Kansans are still facing unemployment,” Kelly said. “This is far from a perfect solution, but we want to use every tool available to protect Kansans and our economy.”

Kelly has faced criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature over the Kansas Department of Labor’s past problems in dealing with a surge in unemployment claims and providing additional benefits under the earlier program. Kelly has blamed much of those problems on a decades-old computer system, but her first labor secretary, Delia Garcia, resigned in June.

The governor told reporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dab48fe26374b61a0d204a77ebe9bea0">during an Aug. 17 news conference</a>&nbsp;that providing an additional $100 a week in benefits to jobless workers might cost the state more than $40 million a month. She questioned whether Trump had the authority to bypass Congress and said trying to administer the new program could create “chaos.”

The new program created by Trump’s executive order would allow people to claim benefits for Aug. 1 forward, through late December, suggesting the state could spend roughly $200 million.

But state officials aren’t sure how many people would apply, and Kelly noted in her statement that people seeking the benefits will have to show that they lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Also, Kelly said, only people currently receiving $100 more more a week in regular unemployment benefits would be eligible.

“However, this program is not a permanent solution,” Acting Labor Secretary Ryan Wright said. “At best it can be viewed as a quick fix.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596920150374.png" alt="President Trump signed the executive order from his New Jersey golf club August 9. -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the executive order from his New Jersey golf club August 9. -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will apply to participate in a federal program that provides additional benefits to workers who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday, less than two weeks after she questioned the program’s legality and suggested it could be difficult to administer.Kelly’s office said the state would use a portion of its $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds to cover part of the additional benefits. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0218f8425463c85085edb667421c6c35">issued an executive order&nbsp;</a>this month offering an additional $300 a week in benefits to jobless workers and $400 a week if states chipped in the additional $100. The federal government would have to approve Kansas’ proposal.Trump issued the order after an earlier program, providing an additional $600 a week, expired at the end of July, with no agreement in Congress on extending or replacing it. The Democratic governor said in a statement Thursday that she had hoped the GOP-led U.S. Senate would have approved a program before taking its August break.“I could not sit by idly while many Kansans are still facing unemployment,” Kelly said. “This is far from a perfect solution, but we want to use every tool available to protect Kansans and our economy.”Kelly has faced criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature over the Kansas Department of Labor’s past problems in dealing with a surge in unemployment claims and providing additional benefits under the earlier program. Kelly has blamed much of those problems on a decades-old computer system, but her first labor secretary, Delia Garcia, resigned in June.The governor told reporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dab48fe26374b61a0d204a77ebe9bea0">during an Aug. 17 news conference</a>&nbsp;that providing an additional $100 a week in benefits to jobless workers might cost the state more than $40 million a month. She questioned whether Trump had the authority to bypass Congress and said trying to administer the new program could create “chaos.”The new program created by Trump’s executive order would allow people to claim benefits for Aug. 1 forward, through late December, suggesting the state could spend roughly $200 million.But state officials aren’t sure how many people would apply, and Kelly noted in her statement that people seeking the benefits will have to show that they lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Also, Kelly said, only people currently receiving $100 more more a week in regular unemployment benefits would be eligible.“However, this program is not a permanent solution,” Acting Labor Secretary Ryan Wright said. “At best it can be viewed as a quick fix.”

Kan. will participate in Trump's $400 unemployment check program

About 25 adults and children gather outside city hall protesting the face mask ordinance in Hays prior to Thursday's city commission meeting. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday night to extend the city's face mask ordinance through Oct. 5, 2020. It was set to expire Aug. 31.

Five residents spoke against the mandate, along with a Salina physician, Amy Hogan, M.D., who talked by phone about her concerns, especially for the psychological well-being of young children wearing face masks.

No supporters of the extension had signed up to make comments on the agenda item, although Mayor Shaun Musil read an email submitted by Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, who favors the mask ordinance, along with hand washing and social distancing.

Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, expresses her support of extending the face mask ordinance in an email.

The commission first heard from Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director.

"Coronavirus is not going away. It's part of society," Kennedy said. "We don't get to be tired of the virus, and that doesn't make it go away."

Kennedy talked about research underway to produce a COVID-19 medical vaccine, predicting it is "at least four or five months away. ... Hopefully, it's effective and hopefully, we'll get enough people vaccinated to the point where we feel safe. But as long as we continue to test [in Ellis County], we'll see waves and we'll see plateaus."

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County recently<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388">&nbsp;jumped significantly</a>, coinciding with the return of college students at Fort Hays State University, where classes started Aug. 17.&nbsp;

Jason Kennedy, Ellis Co. Health Services director, speaks to Hays city commissioners Thursday.&nbsp;(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)

Kennedy asked the commission to "vote for time, and sentiment of the public, to develop a plan of what the next year looks like.&nbsp;

"If we don't plan this, the public will continue to get less and less involved in mitigation measures.

"Ask them tonight for time, and to trust the plan that you guys put together will be based in fact and science, and will carry us through so that we can continue to make decent, educated decisions," Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioners had a lengthy, emotional discussion of the issue.

Komoss Creamer is escorted out of city commission chambers by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler at the direction of&nbsp; Mayor Shaun Musil (right) after Creamer objected to an initial motion by Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs to extend the city's mask ordinance until Dec. 31.

At one point, Musil had an audience member,&nbsp;Komoss Creamer, escorted from commission chambers by Police Chief Don Scheibler after an outburst in which she objected to a motion made by Sandy Jacobs, vice mayor, to extend the mandate through the end of the year.&nbsp;

Creamer, a therapist who specializes in child trauma, was one of the five people in opposition to the mandate&nbsp; who spoke earlier to the commission.

"We need to be able to decide what we want to do with our healthcare, not someone else who says this is the doctor to listen to, and then there's the mandate," Creamer said. "When government starts deciding healthcare, there is a big issue."

During the 3 minutes allotted per speaker, Tammy Werth (at podium) talks about being diagnosed with coronavirus 7 weeks ago with no spread of the disease to people she was in contact with.

Tammy Werth said she had seen some "horrible things on Facebook, both for and against," and implored residents to "be kind to each other and respect each other. Let them choose if they want to wear a mask or they don't want to wear a mask."

A Type 1 diabetic at "high risk," Werth told the commission she had the coronavirus seven weeks ago, and no one else she was in contact with contracted it.

"I got through it," Werth said. "There's a low death rate. Influenza's worse."

Jacobs finally amended her motion to end the mandate on Mon., Oct. 5.

All the commissioners spoke of emails and social media comments they had received. Some notes were favorable, supporting the ordinance extension and the commission. Others messages opposed the mandate and included personal condemnations of commissioners.&nbsp;

"I am sad, angry, horrified and disappointed," Ron Mellick said. "It's tearing this community apart because people won't compromise."

Mellick also noted Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College have their own COVID policies and USD 489 is following state guidelines.&nbsp;

Musil teared up as he related messages he got accusing him personally of "causing people to die and commit suicide" because of the mandate.&nbsp;

The mayor said he would not vote for extending the mandate unless the city moves from educating the public to enforcing fines for violators.

Jacobs agreed with the enforcement.&nbsp;

"I dread it for the police department," Musil sighed.

"My goal is to keep the schools open, keep the businesses open.

"With the recent spread, the businesses are closing. The governor isn’t telling them to close this time," Musil pointed out. "They’re having to do it because they have no employees. And this is just the start of it.”

Mason Ruder and Michael Berges voted against the measure.

"I think it's working," Berges said, "but we need to find the end."

Ruder, who also voted against the original mandate, suggested the commission should develop a "plan for how things should go" at an upcoming work session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598582433411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About 25 adults and children gather outside city hall protesting the face mask ordinance in Hays prior to Thursday's city commission meeting. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday night to extend the city's face mask ordinance through Oct. 5, 2020. It was set to expire Aug. 31.Five residents spoke against the mandate, along with a Salina physician, Amy Hogan, M.D., who talked by phone about her concerns, especially for the psychological well-being of young children wearing face masks.No supporters of the extension had signed up to make comments on the agenda item, although Mayor Shaun Musil read an email submitted by Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, who favors the mask ordinance, along with hand washing and social distancing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598587541997.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, expresses her support of extending the face mask ordinance in an email.The commission first heard from Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director."Coronavirus is not going away. It's part of society," Kennedy said. "We don't get to be tired of the virus, and that doesn't make it go away."Kennedy talked about research underway to produce a COVID-19 medical vaccine, predicting it is "at least four or five months away. ... Hopefully, it's effective and hopefully, we'll get enough people vaccinated to the point where we feel safe. But as long as we continue to test [in Ellis County], we'll see waves and we'll see plateaus."The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County recently<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388">&nbsp;jumped significantly</a>, coinciding with the return of college students at Fort Hays State University, where classes started Aug. 17.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598582308861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Kennedy, Ellis Co. Health Services director, speaks to Hays city commissioners Thursday.&nbsp;(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)Kennedy asked the commission to "vote for time, and sentiment of the public, to develop a plan of what the next year looks like.&nbsp;"If we don't plan this, the public will continue to get less and less involved in mitigation measures."Ask them tonight for time, and to trust the plan that you guys put together will be based in fact and science, and will carry us through so that we can continue to make decent, educated decisions," Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioners had a lengthy, emotional discussion of the issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598591688138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Komoss Creamer is escorted out of city commission chambers by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler at the direction of&nbsp; Mayor Shaun Musil (right) after Creamer objected to an initial motion by Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs to extend the city's mask ordinance until Dec. 31.At one point, Musil had an audience member,&nbsp;Komoss Creamer, escorted from commission chambers by Police Chief Don Scheibler after an outburst in which she objected to a motion made by Sandy Jacobs, vice mayor, to extend the mandate through the end of the year.&nbsp;Musil later apologized.&nbsp;Creamer, a therapist who specializes in child trauma, was one of the five people in opposition to the mandate&nbsp; who spoke earlier to the commission."We need to be able to decide what we want to do with our healthcare, not someone else who says this is the doctor to listen to, and then there's the mandate," Creamer said. "When government starts deciding healthcare, there is a big issue."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598594637355.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>During the 3 minutes allotted per speaker, Tammy Werth (at podium) talks about being diagnosed with coronavirus 7 weeks ago with no spread of the disease to people she was in contact with.Tammy Werth said she had seen some "horrible things on Facebook, both for and against," and implored residents to "be kind to each other and respect each other. Let them choose if they want to wear a mask or they don't want to wear a mask."A Type 1 diabetic at "high risk," Werth told the commission she had the coronavirus seven weeks ago, and no one else she was in contact with contracted it."I got through it," Werth said. "There's a low death rate. Influenza's worse."Jacobs finally amended her motion to end the mandate on Mon., Oct. 5.All the commissioners spoke of emails and social media comments they had received. Some notes were favorable, supporting the ordinance extension and the commission. Others messages opposed the mandate and included personal condemnations of commissioners.&nbsp;"I am sad, angry, horrified and disappointed," Ron Mellick said. "It's tearing this community apart because people won't compromise."Mellick also noted Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College have their own COVID policies and USD 489 is following state guidelines.&nbsp;Musil teared up as he related messages he got accusing him personally of "causing people to die and commit suicide" because of the mandate.&nbsp;"Abhorrent," Jacobs declared.The mayor said he would not vote for extending the mandate unless the city moves from educating the public to enforcing fines for violators.Jacobs agreed with the enforcement.&nbsp;"I dread it for the police department," Musil sighed."My goal is to keep the schools open, keep the businesses open."With the recent spread, the businesses are closing. The governor isn’t telling them to close this time," Musil pointed out. "They’re having to do it because they have no employees. And this is just the start of it.”Mason Ruder and Michael Berges voted against the measure."I think it's working," Berges said, "but we need to find the end."Ruder, who also voted against the original mandate, suggested the commission should develop a "plan for how things should go" at an upcoming work session.

Hays votes to extend mask ordinance for 5 more weeks

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; William R.&nbsp;Dalrymple, 25, Richmond, TX., was in a pursuit on Toulon Avenue when he swerved to miss spike strips at Vineyard Road two miles Southwest of Catharine.

 The driver lost control and ramped a driveway, hit another driveway and came to rest after hitting the second driveway's retaining wall.&nbsp; &nbsp;

EMS transported Dalrymple and a passenger&nbsp; Victoria D.&nbsp;Deakin, 32, Oconomowoc, WI., to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; She was later transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.

Both passengers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; William R.&nbsp;Dalrymple, 25, Richmond, TX., was in a pursuit on Toulon Avenue when he swerved to miss spike strips at Vineyard Road two miles Southwest of Catharine. The driver lost control and ramped a driveway, hit another driveway and came to rest after hitting the second driveway's retaining wall.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported Dalrymple and a passenger&nbsp; Victoria D.&nbsp;Deakin, 32, Oconomowoc, WI., to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; She was later transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.Both passengers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

2 hospitalized in Kansas  after crash during police chase 

LONDON&nbsp; (AP)— The World Health Organization says countries should actively test people to find coronavirus cases, even if they have mild or no symptoms.

That’s despite the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently switched guidance to say asymptomatic contacts of cases don’t need to be tested.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for the coronavirus, says when officials are investigating clusters of COVID-19, “testing may need to be expanded to look for individuals who are on the more mild end of the spectrum or who may indeed be asymptomatic.”

Van Kerkhove says countries were free to adapt their testing guidance for their individual needs and its critical how fast countries get results.

“What’s really important is that testing is used as an opportunity, to define active cases so that they can be isolated and so that contact tracing can also take place,” Van Kerkhove said. “This is really fundamental to breaking chains of transmission.”

Earlier in the pandemic, WHO recommend that countries focus on “testing, testing, testing.”

Van Kerkhove also says wearing masks alone to protect against the spread of the coronavirus isn’t enough, expressing concerns that people are growing too lax on maintaining physical distancing.

“So it’s not just masks alone. It’s not just physical distancing alone,” Van Kerkhove said. “It’s not just hand cleaning alone. Do it all.”

LONDON&nbsp; (AP)— The World Health Organization says countries should actively test people to find coronavirus cases, even if they have mild or no symptoms.That’s despite the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently switched guidance to say asymptomatic contacts of cases don’t need to be tested.Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for the coronavirus, says when officials are investigating clusters of COVID-19, “testing may need to be expanded to look for individuals who are on the more mild end of the spectrum or who may indeed be asymptomatic.”Van Kerkhove says countries were free to adapt their testing guidance for their individual needs and its critical how fast countries get results.“What’s really important is that testing is used as an opportunity, to define active cases so that they can be isolated and so that contact tracing can also take place,” Van Kerkhove said. “This is really fundamental to breaking chains of transmission.”Earlier in the pandemic, WHO recommend that countries focus on “testing, testing, testing.”Van Kerkhove also says wearing masks alone to protect against the spread of the coronavirus isn’t enough, expressing concerns that people are growing too lax on maintaining physical distancing.“So it’s not just masks alone. It’s not just physical distancing alone,” Van Kerkhove said. “It’s not just hand cleaning alone. Do it all.”

WHO says test for virus, despite CDC's recent flip flop

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Wyandotte County judge will determine if state records concerning the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">death</a>&nbsp;of a 3-year-old girl who showed signs of being abused should be released to the public or be kept private.

Olivia Jansen’s body was found in a shallow grave on July 10, the same day her father, Howard Jansen III, reported her missing. He and his girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have been charged with felony murder and other crimes in her death.

Shortly after the girl died, several media outlets — including The Associated Press and The Kansas City Star — filed requests for records from the Department for Children and Family Services to determine the extent of the agency’s contact with the girl’s family before her death.

On Wednesday, attorneys for the Wyandotte County District Attorney and the two suspects in Olivia’s death argued that releasing the 533 pages of records would hinder the ongoing investigation and the defendants’ chances of receiving a fair trial.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Olivia’s body had signs of physical abuse and she died of a brain bleed.

Russell took the case under advisement and said he hoped to rule within two weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Jansen photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Jansen photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Wyandotte County judge will determine if state records concerning the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">death</a>&nbsp;of a 3-year-old girl who showed signs of being abused should be released to the public or be kept private.Olivia Jansen’s body was found in a shallow grave on July 10, the same day her father, Howard Jansen III, reported her missing. He and his girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have been charged with felony murder and other crimes in her death.Shortly after the girl died, several media outlets — including The Associated Press and The Kansas City Star — filed requests for records from the Department for Children and Family Services to determine the extent of the agency’s contact with the girl’s family before her death.On Wednesday, attorneys for the Wyandotte County District Attorney and the two suspects in Olivia’s death argued that releasing the 533 pages of records would hinder the ongoing investigation and the defendants’ chances of receiving a fair trial.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594403105823.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo KCK police" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo KCK police</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a probable cause affidavit, Olivia’s body had signs of physical abuse and she died of a brain bleed.Russell took the case under advisement and said he hoped to rule within two weeks.

Judge to decide if records in Kansas girl's death are public

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Democratic Party on Wednesday declared that the 19-year-old nominee for a state House seat is “unfit” for office because of “alarming behavior” that includes admitting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac948dae17c3dbc36ffe62246925c4f3">circulating revenge porn</a>, and he said his online fundraising account has been disabled.

Chairwoman Vicki Hiatt said the state party is working with the Kansas House’s top Democrat, Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, to find an alternative to nominee Aaron Coleman in a normally safe Democratic district in Kansas City, Kansas. Coleman defeated seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter in the Aug. 4 primary by 14 votes out of about 1,600 cast.

Frownfelter has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">a write-in campaign,</a>&nbsp;and Sawyer, from Wichita, said Democratic lawmakers are supporting it. Sawyer also said that if Coleman wins the November general election, Democrats are likely to launch an effort to keep him from being seated.

Many Democrats have disavowed Coleman, a dishwasher and community college student, over incendiary social media posts and his past behavior towards girls and women, which included his admission to allegations of revenge porn and online harassment of girls as a 14-year-old. Frownfelter’s campaign manager said Wednesday that he also sent her harassing messages for weeks this spring.

“The pattern of alarming behavior reported and exhibited by Mr. Coleman proves he is unfit to serve in the Kansas Legislature,” Hiatt said in a statement. “The Party will in no way be helping Mr. Coleman’s candidacy or campaign.”

Coleman did not respond Wednesday to cellphone, Facebook and email messages seeking comment. He&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1298349365002735619" target="_blank">tweeted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that his fundraising account with ActBlue, used by Democrats and left-leaning groups to raise money online, had been disabled. He has called his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls that of a “sick and troubled 14-year-old boy” and said he’s grown.

ActBlue did not immediately respond to an email Wednesday about Coleman’s account, but he tweeted a statement from it saying, “We are unable to work with your campaign moving forward as you are out of alignment with ActBlue’s mission.”

Coleman has been running on a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police and legalizing marijuana. Frownfelter, 69, owns a small business and was first elected to the Legislature in 2006.

“Remember this. Corporate democrats decide who gets to run or not. The elites have no care in the world for the people of my district who live at the poverty line,” Coleman said in a tweet responding to ActBlue’s action. “They don’t care if voters nominated me.”

Coleman said in a Facebook post in June that allegations against him of revenge porn, blackmail and online harassment of female middle-school students were true. He also came under fire for social media posts saying he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19 and endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth. He later apologized.

He said Sunday he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2fdeb57aeb4ad80a854b1b1eacbde97a">was dropping out&nbsp;</a>of the race but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2dc93b085471ea1a8a597130d11d1fa5">reversed that decision</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, citing encouragement from voters to keep running.

Brandie Armstrong, Frownfelter’s campaign manager and the local Democratic Party secretary, said she began receiving harassing messages from Coleman on Mother’s Day in May. She said the issue was the rules for posting on the local party’s Facebook page and that Coleman eventually was banned from it.

She said she asked Coleman on June 26 to stop sending her messages, which he did, but three days later, he came to her house. When she didn’t answer the door, she said, Coleman went to her neighbor and complained about her. She said Coleman also put a campaign sign in another neighbor’s yard, positioned so that she’d see it through a front window.

Faith Rivera, a community activist in Kansas City, Kansas, called Coleman “a relentless kid” and “horrible.” She said she first met him at a Democratic gathering in Topeka this winter and told him by text on June 6 that a liberal group she helped lead, Our Revolution Kansas City, would not be endorsing candidates in Kansas.

He texted back: “Gay” followed by “I literally out left Bernie Sanders.”

Rivera provided a screenshot of the exchange to The AP. She replied by chastising Coleman for using “gay” as a derisive term.

“That’s not politically correct,” she texted. “It’s offensive.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597491942776.png" alt="Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Democratic Party on Wednesday declared that the 19-year-old nominee for a state House seat is “unfit” for office because of “alarming behavior” that includes admitting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac948dae17c3dbc36ffe62246925c4f3">circulating revenge porn</a>, and he said his online fundraising account has been disabled.Chairwoman Vicki Hiatt said the state party is working with the Kansas House’s top Democrat, Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, to find an alternative to nominee Aaron Coleman in a normally safe Democratic district in Kansas City, Kansas. Coleman defeated seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter in the Aug. 4 primary by 14 votes out of about 1,600 cast.Frownfelter has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">a write-in campaign,</a>&nbsp;and Sawyer, from Wichita, said Democratic lawmakers are supporting it. Sawyer also said that if Coleman wins the November general election, Democrats are likely to launch an effort to keep him from being seated.Many Democrats have disavowed Coleman, a dishwasher and community college student, over incendiary social media posts and his past behavior towards girls and women, which included his admission to allegations of revenge porn and online harassment of girls as a 14-year-old. Frownfelter’s campaign manager said Wednesday that he also sent her harassing messages for weeks this spring.“The pattern of alarming behavior reported and exhibited by Mr. Coleman proves he is unfit to serve in the Kansas Legislature,” Hiatt said in a statement. “The Party will in no way be helping Mr. Coleman’s candidacy or campaign.”Coleman did not respond Wednesday to cellphone, Facebook and email messages seeking comment. He&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1298349365002735619" target="_blank">tweeted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that his fundraising account with ActBlue, used by Democrats and left-leaning groups to raise money online, had been disabled. He has called his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls that of a “sick and troubled 14-year-old boy” and said he’s grown.ActBlue did not immediately respond to an email Wednesday about Coleman’s account, but he tweeted a statement from it saying, “We are unable to work with your campaign moving forward as you are out of alignment with ActBlue’s mission.”Coleman has been running on a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police and legalizing marijuana. Frownfelter, 69, owns a small business and was first elected to the Legislature in 2006.“Remember this. Corporate democrats decide who gets to run or not. The elites have no care in the world for the people of my district who live at the poverty line,” Coleman said in a tweet responding to ActBlue’s action. “They don’t care if voters nominated me.”Coleman said in a Facebook post in June that allegations against him of revenge porn, blackmail and online harassment of female middle-school students were true. He also came under fire for social media posts saying he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19 and endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth. He later apologized.He said Sunday he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2fdeb57aeb4ad80a854b1b1eacbde97a">was dropping out&nbsp;</a>of the race but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2dc93b085471ea1a8a597130d11d1fa5">reversed that decision</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, citing encouragement from voters to keep running.Brandie Armstrong, Frownfelter’s campaign manager and the local Democratic Party secretary, said she began receiving harassing messages from Coleman on Mother’s Day in May. She said the issue was the rules for posting on the local party’s Facebook page and that Coleman eventually was banned from it.She said she asked Coleman on June 26 to stop sending her messages, which he did, but three days later, he came to her house. When she didn’t answer the door, she said, Coleman went to her neighbor and complained about her. She said Coleman also put a campaign sign in another neighbor’s yard, positioned so that she’d see it through a front window.Faith Rivera, a community activist in Kansas City, Kansas, called Coleman “a relentless kid” and “horrible.” She said she first met him at a Democratic gathering in Topeka this winter and told him by text on June 6 that a liberal group she helped lead, Our Revolution Kansas City, would not be endorsing candidates in Kansas.He texted back: “Gay” followed by “I literally out left Bernie Sanders.”Rivera provided a screenshot of the exchange to The AP. She replied by chastising Coleman for using “gay” as a derisive term.“That’s not politically correct,” she texted. “It’s offensive.”

Party disavows Kan. candidate who admitted to revenge porn

ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.

Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.

The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.

Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.

Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.

At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.

Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598556477216.png" alt="Gaskin-photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Gaskin-photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

Driver jailed after wrong-way chase on I-70

MARION COUNTY —Tabor College has placed students in isolation and others in quarantine after they tested positive for coronavirus.

According to a media release from the school, on Wednesday afternoon,&nbsp; following the established COVID protocol, a student experienced symptoms and contacted a medical professional. 

On the advice of the medical professional, the student was tested at our CLIA approved COVID laboratory and the test result was positive. 

Teammates experiencing symptoms were also tested and two additional students were found positive. Following our established protocol, the students are now in isolation in an approved location. The Marion County Health Department has been contacted and is determining who needs to be quarantined. Currently there are 3 students in isolation and 5 in quarantine. Continued contact tracing may increase those in quarantine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598563976391.png" alt="photo courtesy Tabor College" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Tabor College</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY —Tabor College has placed students in isolation and others in quarantine after they tested positive for coronavirus.According to a media release from the school, on Wednesday afternoon,&nbsp; following the established COVID protocol, a student experienced symptoms and contacted a medical professional. On the advice of the medical professional, the student was tested at our CLIA approved COVID laboratory and the test result was positive. Teammates experiencing symptoms were also tested and two additional students were found positive. Following our established protocol, the students are now in isolation in an approved location. The Marion County Health Department has been contacted and is determining who needs to be quarantined. Currently there are 3 students in isolation and 5 in quarantine. Continued contact tracing may increase those in quarantine.

Tabor College students in quarantine due to COVID-19

TOPEKA —Gov. Laura Kelly announced a new program Thursday to help essential workers sickened with coronavirus cover the cost of medical care. The program, which will be paid for with $8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, will provide workers in fields such as child care, education and food service up to $25,000 for medical expenses if they are uninsured and $15,000 if they are insured and need help with copays and deductibles.

Before, they were out of luck, trial attorneys and some legislators say. They say the issue is that Kansas law is written so that coronavirus is almost certainly not an occupational disease, which means if you get it on the job, you can’t get benefits through that system. But, because the law says the workers’ compensation system is the exclusive remedy for on-the-job injuries and occupational diseases, you can’t sue your employer, either.

“The dedication and selflessness displayed by Kansas essential workers has been critical to our recovery efforts across the state in cities big and small and rural communities,” Kelly said in a news release. 

“They risk their health each and every day to help others and these funds make it possible for the state of Kansas to help cover expenses in the unfortunate cases when they contract COVID-19.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Gov. Laura Kelly announced a new program Thursday to help essential workers sickened with coronavirus cover the cost of medical care. The program, which will be paid for with $8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, will provide workers in fields such as child care, education and food service up to $25,000 for medical expenses if they are uninsured and $15,000 if they are insured and need help with copays and deductibles.Before, they were out of luck, trial attorneys and some legislators say. They say the issue is that Kansas law is written so that coronavirus is almost certainly not an occupational disease, which means if you get it on the job, you can’t get benefits through that system. But, because the law says the workers’ compensation system is the exclusive remedy for on-the-job injuries and occupational diseases, you can’t sue your employer, either.“The dedication and selflessness displayed by Kansas essential workers has been critical to our recovery efforts across the state in cities big and small and rural communities,” Kelly said in a news release. “They risk their health each and every day to help others and these funds make it possible for the state of Kansas to help cover expenses in the unfortunate cases when they contract COVID-19.”

Kansas creates COVID-19 essential worker health care fund

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of a political sign in Cowley County and have made an arrest of a teen suspect identified as&nbsp;Garrett Bogle, 19, of Cowley County on requested charges of criminal damage to property, according to the <a href="https://www.cowleycounty.org/media/Sheriff/Sheriff%20Daily%20Log/August%2026,%202020.pdf">activity report from sheriff's department</a>.

On August 16, deputies responded to the 25,000 block of U.S. 77 Highway north of Arkansas City for a report of Criminal Damage to Property to a billboard sign, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.&nbsp; 

Vandals spread blue paint on the billboard that featured the political slogan MAGA in red and white. Vandals also used yellow spray paint to write "BLM and the word Resist."

&nbsp;There were several tips and leads generated in this case and deputies reported late Tuesday they made an arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598452304828.png" alt="The sign vandalized in north of Arkasas City, Kansas-<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/">photo courtesy Cowley Courier Traveler</a>" />
 <figcaption>The sign vandalized in north of Arkasas City, Kansas-<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/">photo courtesy Cowley Courier Traveler</a></figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of a political sign in Cowley County and have made an arrest of a teen suspect identified as&nbsp;Garrett Bogle, 19, of Cowley County on requested charges of criminal damage to property, according to the <a href="https://www.cowleycounty.org/media/Sheriff/Sheriff%20Daily%20Log/August%2026,%202020.pdf">activity report from sheriff's department</a>.On August 16, deputies responded to the 25,000 block of U.S. 77 Highway north of Arkansas City for a report of Criminal Damage to Property to a billboard sign, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.&nbsp; Vandals spread blue paint on the billboard that featured the political slogan MAGA in red and white. Vandals also used yellow spray paint to write "BLM and the word Resist."&nbsp;There were several tips and leads generated in this case and deputies reported late Tuesday they made an arrest.&nbsp;

Update: Kan. teen accused in vandalism of MAGA billboard 

TOPEKA (AP) — Statues of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin have been removed from the Washburn University campus after protests against racial injustice elsewhere led to statues honoring slaveholders being vandalized, pulled down or moved, the school said Thursday.

The two bronze statues that had stood outside the university's law school in Topeka for two decades were removed in July after Washburn President Jerry Farley discussed the concerns with the family of the donor, who has since died, school spokesman Patrick Early said.

Early said the decision was prompted in part by a disagreement over a Jefferson statue at the University of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>'s Columbia campus in June. Some Missouri students petitioned to have the statue removed but university officials decided to leave it in place.

Some Washburn students have questioned the propriety of the statutes but the decision to remove them from campus was not in response to a protest or request from students, Early said.

“It was the donor's decision to have the statues returned," he said. “They didn't want the statues to become a source of embarrassment so they asked that they be returned."

Few people noticed the statues were gone and the decision has not prompted much discussion since classes began two weeks ago, Early said.

A representative for the school's Black Student Union did not immediately return messages seeking reaction.

Washburn, a public school with about 7,000 students, had planned a rally and march to support the Black Lives Matter movement but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Early said.

The school's other statues are mostly modern art, except of a recently installed statue of Ichabod Washburn, an early benefactor and namesake of the school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598561530107.png" alt="One of the statues removed from outside the Law School at Washburn in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One of the statues removed from outside the Law School at Washburn in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) — Statues of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin have been removed from the Washburn University campus after protests against racial injustice elsewhere led to statues honoring slaveholders being vandalized, pulled down or moved, the school said Thursday.The two bronze statues that had stood outside the university's law school in Topeka for two decades were removed in July after Washburn President Jerry Farley discussed the concerns with the family of the donor, who has since died, school spokesman Patrick Early said.Early said the decision was prompted in part by a disagreement over a Jefferson statue at the University of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>'s Columbia campus in June. Some Missouri students petitioned to have the statue removed but university officials decided to leave it in place.Some Washburn students have questioned the propriety of the statutes but the decision to remove them from campus was not in response to a protest or request from students, Early said.“It was the donor's decision to have the statues returned," he said. “They didn't want the statues to become a source of embarrassment so they asked that they be returned."Few people noticed the statues were gone and the decision has not prompted much discussion since classes began two weeks ago, Early said.A representative for the school's Black Student Union did not immediately return messages seeking reaction.Washburn, a public school with about 7,000 students, had planned a rally and march to support the Black Lives Matter movement but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Early said.The school's other statues are mostly modern art, except of a recently installed statue of Ichabod Washburn, an early benefactor and namesake of the school.

Washburn University removes Jefferson, Franklin statues

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has awarded a former Emporia State employee about $64,000 in a lawsuit that contended her contract was not renewed when she complained about racial discrimination. 

Angelica Hale and her husband, Melvin Hale, who are Black, filed separate lawsuits in 2016 alleging the school retaliated against them for complaining after a note with a racial slur was found in their department. 

A judge ruled in Angelica Hale's favor in July 2019 but awarded her only $1 in damages. After further motions were filed, the judge on Thursday awarded Angelica Hale $64,303 in back pay and interest. Her husband's lawsuit against the school was dismissed in July 2019.

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has awarded a former Emporia State employee about $64,000 in a lawsuit that contended her contract was not renewed when she complained about racial discrimination. Angelica Hale and her husband, Melvin Hale, who are Black, filed separate lawsuits in 2016 alleging the school retaliated against them for complaining after a note with a racial slur was found in their department. A judge ruled in Angelica Hale's favor in July 2019 but awarded her only $1 in damages. After further motions were filed, the judge on Thursday awarded Angelica Hale $64,303 in back pay and interest. Her husband's lawsuit against the school was dismissed in July 2019.

Former Emporia State employee wins back pay for retaliation

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/26/kelly-thanks-kansas-teachers-for-work-on-reopening-plans-despite-virus-uncertainty/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Linda Sieck is uncertain 
about the feasibility of maintaining social distance in a cramped 
classroom when her students return to class this fall.

Linda Sieck, president of 
National Education Association of Shawnee Mission, said on Tuesday she 
had heard from some sources, including the American Academy of 
Pediatrics, that only three feet of distance are necessary between 
students as long as they wear proper face coverings. Locally, however, 
she has been told six feet is the optimal amount.

“I will be going back to a
 class with up to 15 high school students in my classroom, so I really 
want to know if three feet is acceptable or only acceptable because we 
have finite space,” Sieck said.

Sieck was among the 
representatives from school districts across Kansas who joined Gov. 
Laura Kelly and health experts to discuss school reopening plans and 
what resources are still needed in elementary, middle and high school 
classrooms as students return.

Kelly expressed gratitude 
for the teacher’s flexibility when she shut down the K-12 school year in
 March and for their diligence in planning for the fall.

“I know a number of you 
have been working over the summer to prepare for the reopening of 
schools in whatever shape or form that takes,” Kelly said. “It’s a very 
impressive end product.”

In July, Kelly issued an 
executive order which would have postponed the school year from 
mid-August until after Labor Day. Though the order<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/22/kansas-board-of-education-blocks-gov-laura-kellys-plan-to-delay-k-12-classes/"> was swiftly rejected</a> by the Kansas State Board of Education, many districts pushed back reopening to September anyway, said <a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/">Kansas NEA</a> president Mark Farr.

“As we return to school, 
we are worried about the children’s health, but also the adults, like 
teachers at school and the parents the children come home to,” said Dana
 Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at the 
University of Kansas Health System.

“We need to continue to 
have as low of an amount of density as possible and wear masks,” he 
said. “Doing those things on a regular basis has been shown to reduce 
the spread of the virus.”

Kelly and the teachers 
also discussed child care. Some districts had options for teachers who 
didn’t have access to care for their own children, but few districts had
 the ability to provide care for children of all working parents.

Rural teachers expressed 
some concerns over internet access for remote students. Students in the 
Fowler school district in Southwest Kansas are returning to class this 
week, but a few families expressed discomfort with sending their 
children back in-person.

Emily Dizmang, president 
of the Fowler Teachers Association, said they were able to provide a 
remote option in the spring, with mixed results. They are unsure how 
well it will hold up.

“We had lots of kids that 
couldn’t connect back in March,” Dizmang said. “Right now, we have 
routers set up, but we don’t get very good service.”

Despite concerns over the 
uncertain nature of the virus and some infrastructural issues, teachers 
across the board expressed optimism with the plans put in place and the 
efforts taken.

“We feel we’ve done 
everything we possibly can to be safe,” Dizmang said. “We’ve changed 
recess, classroom and lunchroom procedures. We’ve done everything I can 
think of to make it safe for our children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598541578424.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly met with teachers from across Kansas to discuss how schools are preparing for the fall school year (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly met with teachers from across Kansas to discuss how schools are preparing for the fall school year (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/26/kelly-thanks-kansas-teachers-for-work-on-reopening-plans-despite-virus-uncertainty/">Kansas Reflector</a>Linda Sieck is uncertain 
about the feasibility of maintaining social distance in a cramped 
classroom when her students return to class this fall.Linda Sieck, president of 
National Education Association of Shawnee Mission, said on Tuesday she 
had heard from some sources, including the American Academy of 
Pediatrics, that only three feet of distance are necessary between 
students as long as they wear proper face coverings. Locally, however, 
she has been told six feet is the optimal amount.“I will be going back to a
 class with up to 15 high school students in my classroom, so I really 
want to know if three feet is acceptable or only acceptable because we 
have finite space,” Sieck said.Sieck was among the 
representatives from school districts across Kansas who joined Gov. 
Laura Kelly and health experts to discuss school reopening plans and 
what resources are still needed in elementary, middle and high school 
classrooms as students return.Kelly expressed gratitude 
for the teacher’s flexibility when she shut down the K-12 school year in
 March and for their diligence in planning for the fall.“I know a number of you 
have been working over the summer to prepare for the reopening of 
schools in whatever shape or form that takes,” Kelly said. “It’s a very 
impressive end product.”In July, Kelly issued an 
executive order which would have postponed the school year from 
mid-August until after Labor Day. Though the order<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/22/kansas-board-of-education-blocks-gov-laura-kellys-plan-to-delay-k-12-classes/"> was swiftly rejected</a> by the Kansas State Board of Education, many districts pushed back reopening to September anyway, said <a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/">Kansas NEA</a> president Mark Farr.“As we return to school, 
we are worried about the children’s health, but also the adults, like 
teachers at school and the parents the children come home to,” said Dana
 Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at the 
University of Kansas Health System.“We need to continue to 
have as low of an amount of density as possible and wear masks,” he 
said. “Doing those things on a regular basis has been shown to reduce 
the spread of the virus.”Kelly and the teachers 
also discussed child care. Some districts had options for teachers who 
didn’t have access to care for their own children, but few districts had
 the ability to provide care for children of all working parents.Rural teachers expressed 
some concerns over internet access for remote students. Students in the 
Fowler school district in Southwest Kansas are returning to class this 
week, but a few families expressed discomfort with sending their 
children back in-person.Emily Dizmang, president 
of the Fowler Teachers Association, said they were able to provide a 
remote option in the spring, with mixed results. They are unsure how 
well it will hold up.“We had lots of kids that 
couldn’t connect back in March,” Dizmang said. “Right now, we have 
routers set up, but we don’t get very good service.”Despite concerns over the 
uncertain nature of the virus and some infrastructural issues, teachers 
across the board expressed optimism with the plans put in place and the 
efforts taken.“We feel we’ve done 
everything we possibly can to be safe,” Dizmang said. “We’ve changed 
recess, classroom and lunchroom procedures. We’ve done everything I can 
think of to make it safe for our children.”

Gov. thanks Kan. teachers for work on reopening plans despite uncertainty

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car, police chase and crash.

According to Salina Police Captain, Abner's Auto, 212 East Iron Avenue in Salina reported someone on Tuesday stole a small amount of cash and a 2007 Saturn Ion valued at $4,000.

The front door window of the business had been shattered but remained intact and a 25-inch by 31-inch south side window was broken at the dealership, according to Forrester

Later on Wednesday, the Concordia Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit with a black 2007 Saturn Ion, and during the pursuit, the vehicle struck a Belleville Police Department patrol vehicle that was assisting.

The driver of the Saturn identified as Marquez Ruffin, 19, of Salina, fled the crash and was later arrested in Republic County, according to a social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConcordiaPoliceDepartment/">Concordia Police </a>

The Concordia Police Department has requested the following charges that include No registration, Speeding, Fail to maintain lane, No proof of insurance, Flee and elude, nterference with a law enforcement officer, Avoiding spike strips

Requested charges from the Salina Police Department are pending, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587736583056.jpeg" alt="Ruffin -photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Ruffin -photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car, police chase and crash.According to Salina Police Captain, Abner's Auto, 212 East Iron Avenue in Salina reported someone on Tuesday stole a small amount of cash and a 2007 Saturn Ion valued at $4,000.The front door window of the business had been shattered but remained intact and a 25-inch by 31-inch south side window was broken at the dealership, according to ForresterLater on Wednesday, the Concordia Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit with a black 2007 Saturn Ion, and during the pursuit, the vehicle struck a Belleville Police Department patrol vehicle that was assisting.The driver of the Saturn identified as Marquez Ruffin, 19, of Salina, fled the crash and was later arrested in Republic County, according to a social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConcordiaPoliceDepartment/">Concordia Police </a>The Concordia Police Department has requested the following charges that include No registration, Speeding, Fail to maintain lane, No proof of insurance, Flee and elude, nterference with a law enforcement officer, Avoiding spike stripsRequested charges from the Salina Police Department are pending, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Teen in stolen car struck police vehicle during pursuit

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating what appears to be an accidental shooting which injured a 10-year-old girl.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 600 block of South Saint Paul Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

First responders located the 10-year-old, who had a gunshot wound to her upper body.&nbsp; EMS transported her to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

The investigation revealed that a 38-year-old man was handling a gun in a bedroom while she was in an adjoining bathroom.&nbsp; 

While he was handling the gun, it went off, striking the 10-year-old.&nbsp; The girl’s 35-year-old mother was also in the bedroom with the 38-year-old, but she was not injured, according to Wheeler.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details early Thursday.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating what appears to be an accidental shooting which injured a 10-year-old girl.Just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 600 block of South Saint Paul Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.First responders located the 10-year-old, who had a gunshot wound to her upper body.&nbsp; EMS transported her to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.The investigation revealed that a 38-year-old man was handling a gun in a bedroom while she was in an adjoining bathroom.&nbsp; While he was handling the gun, it went off, striking the 10-year-old.&nbsp; The girl’s 35-year-old mother was also in the bedroom with the 38-year-old, but she was not injured, according to Wheeler.&nbsp;Police released no additional details early Thursday.

Police: 10-year-old injured in shooting at Kansas home

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday a strong response to the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Economic Development and Connectivity grant application process, which has yielded more than 7,000 requests for assistance from businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas.

Of the 7,000-plus grant applications submitted, more than 5,000 were for Small Business Working Capital grant funds.&nbsp;

“The initial response to this application period has been extraordinary,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’re ready to give each application the consideration and attention it deserves – and we’ll make sure these funds are deployed in the most effective and strategic way possible to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affected by COVID-19.”

More than $138 million in grants&nbsp;to serve businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic and for the expansion of broadband access in the state&nbsp;was made available by the SPARK Taskforce established earlier this year by Governor Kelly to lead&nbsp;Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) applications will be reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, when those applications are due. Because of the high volume of applications received, we will no longer accept applications for Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grant programs after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grants are reviewed on a rolling basis.&nbsp;

“The response from small businesses across the state has been amazing, and I’m proud to know that so many organizations will benefit from these grants,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“I’m so grateful to the organizations across Kansas that helped us amplify this message so quickly. Now, we need to make sure these funds are distributed in a way that benefits all Kansans and ensures that our state can get back to business.”

The SPARK Taskforce and Kansas Department of Commerce intend to maintain the&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital, PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant&nbsp;programs in case additional federal CARES Act funding becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598538618468.png" alt="Members of the Spark Task Force during their virtual meeting last week" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Spark Task Force during their virtual meeting last week</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday a strong response to the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Economic Development and Connectivity grant application process, which has yielded more than 7,000 requests for assistance from businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas.Of the 7,000-plus grant applications submitted, more than 5,000 were for Small Business Working Capital grant funds.&nbsp;“The initial response to this application period has been extraordinary,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’re ready to give each application the consideration and attention it deserves – and we’ll make sure these funds are deployed in the most effective and strategic way possible to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affected by COVID-19.”More than $138 million in grants&nbsp;to serve businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic and for the expansion of broadband access in the state&nbsp;was made available by the SPARK Taskforce established earlier this year by Governor Kelly to lead&nbsp;Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) applications will be reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, when those applications are due. Because of the high volume of applications received, we will no longer accept applications for Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grant programs after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Small Business Working Capital and PPE Procurement grants are reviewed on a rolling basis.&nbsp;“The response from small businesses across the state has been amazing, and I’m proud to know that so many organizations will benefit from these grants,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“I’m so grateful to the organizations across Kansas that helped us amplify this message so quickly. Now, we need to make sure these funds are distributed in a way that benefits all Kansans and ensures that our state can get back to business.”The SPARK Taskforce and Kansas Department of Commerce intend to maintain the&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital, PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant&nbsp;programs in case additional federal CARES Act funding becomes available.The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs will remain active. Details <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/">are available here.</a>